making connections.— [sofia/saffron]

To Ms. Saffron Lowe,

I hope this letter doesn't surprise you too much, I just regret not getting to meet you during the county fair. My father, Vasco Izar, has spoken fondly of you so I thought I should take it upon myself to meet you finally - even if only through letters. I'm not sure if he's told you, but during the fair I also went on a date with Lorenzo and we've been keeping in contact through letters.

Now that all of that formal stuff is all out of the way, I hope you're doing well, Saffron! As I mentioned, I'm Vasco's daughter Sofia Izar. The way he spoke of you made me want to meet you, so I'm glad I'm finally getting the chance. I know you have a little history with my cousin Iago, but please know I'm not hurt by it. It all happened before I was even born, and you only did what you had to do. I'm just excited at the possibility of getting to know you.

As I mentioned, I saw Lorenzo at the county fair we had over the summer. I actually adopted one of the puppies he was giving away. She was the runt of the litter and I ended up naming her Chiquita. Did you ever get a chance to meet the puppies? If I ever get the chance to visit Ten again I'll have to bring her. I do want to visit again, Ten was a fun place and not too different from Eleven.

I'm not sure how much Papa has told you about me, if anything. I'm twenty-three, the same age as Enzo. I actually own my own shop here in Eleven, a salon that has a mini-store inside it where I sell homemade hair and skin-care products. It's not very big, but it pays the bills and I get to do what I love. If you ever visit, please don't be afraid to stop by!

Lorenzo and I have discussed going to the Mayors event happening soon together, and I know you aren't technically related to Kieran, but it would be nice to see you there as well! Assuming you want to talk to me after this letter, of course (no pressure)! Honestly, I'm a little nervous about going. I know, funny coming from me considering who my dad is. I'm outgoing, but sometimes I can't help but still feel nervous in crowds - especially crowds of important people like that.

I heard from Lorenzo when he called me the day of the reaping that your daughter Quinn didn't get reaped. I'm glad to hear that. My younger sister, Yani, is around her age. This was her first reaping so I think we were all a little extra nervous, but she ended up safe too. I wish you and Mace luck in the Capitol this year. I know it must get tiring to go year after year after year. I hope it eventually gets easier, Saffron.

Please feel free to write back when you have the time.

It's a pleasure to meet you,
Sofia Izar